From Advocacy to Filmmaking
For first-time producer Amod Rai, A Road to a Village was both a dream and a formidable challenge. Born and raised in Nepal before moving to Hong Kong in 1997, Amod has always been passionate about bringing Nepalese arts, culture, and film to the world stage. His background in education and community organizing played a significant role in shaping his perspective on storytelling and representation.
“Living in Hong Kong, surrounded by world-class filmmakers, made me reflect on how we could bring Nepal’s rich traditions to a global audience,” he shares. His passion for storytelling, combined with a long-standing connection to director Nabin Subba, led him to take on the role of producer for A Road to A Village.
The Challenges of Independent Filmmaking
Independent filmmaking is never without hurdles, and for A Road to a Village, challenge arose at every stage from budget constraints to on-set disruptions. One of the biggest setbacks occurred when they had to replace their cinematographer just a week into production. “This happened during the second wave of COVID-19, making it even more difficult to find someone new,” Amod recalls. “It took two weeks, but we finally secured a cinematographer from the U.S. and arranged for him to travel to Nepal’s remote location where our team was waiting.”
The film was also unique in its approach to funding, relying on community contributions from Nepalese people around the world. “We didn’t have complete funding in place before we started, so we had to actively seek support throughout production,” Amod says. “It was a stressful process, but it also reinforced the passion and dedication that so many people had for this project.”
Despite the challenges, A Road to A Village has gained recognition at prestigious international film festivals, including Toronto, Busan, and São Paulo. But for Amod, the biggest reward has been the conversations sparked by the film.
A Film That Sparks Dialogue
“The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing the film spark discussions about development, tradition, and cultural identity, not just internationally but also within Nepal,” he says. “Academics, journalists, and policymakers have engaged with it, reflecting on how modern progress affects indigenous communities. That impact is what truly matters.”
As Nepal continues to undergo rapid modernization, *A Road to a Village* offers a poignant reflection on the changes taking place and the cultural values at stake. Through Maila’s struggle between tradition and survival, the film speaks to a universal experience—one that resonates with audiences far beyond Nepal’s borders.
Looking Ahead
With the film making its mark on the festival circuit, Amod hopes this is just the beginning of greater recognition for Nepalese cinema. “We want to see more independent films from Nepal reaching global audiences,” he says. “There are so many untold stories waiting to be shared.”
For aspiring filmmakers, Amod offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Be patient, be passionate, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Independent cinema requires resilience, but the stories we tell have the power to shape perspectives and inspire change.”